USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > A history of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana : a complete and concise account from the earliest times to the present, embracing reminiscences of the pioneers and biographical sketches of the men who have been leaders in commercial and other enterprises > Part 24
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there. He was a pleasant and scholarly christian gentleman, having clear and liberal-minded views. On July 1, 1874, Rev Jesse R. Bick- nell, of New Albany, Ind., although he had only taken deacon's orders, assumed temporary pastoral duties. In August, 1874, Rev. W. N. Webbe was called to the rectorate. His relations with the church were severed in November, 1879. Rev. J. T Holcombe succeeded him in 1880, and remained about eighteen months. In November, 1882, Rev. Charles Morris assumed the pastoral duties at St. Paul's where he served long and successfully. His rectorship was ended in 1894 by his resignation. He was graduated at William and Mary College, and the law school of Richmond College, Virginia, and the Virginia Theological Seminary. He was beloved by the parish. His addresses were plain, direct, forcible and practical. Under his administration of the parish a superb new stone structure was erected. Early in 1883 the building was begun, and on March 2, 1886, the first services were held in the new edifice at which time it was consecrated to the service of the God of Zion. On that memor- able occasion the bishops of Indiana and Illinois and twelve clergy- men of the church were present and took part in the solemn, impres- sive ceremonies. The building cost $50,000. Its foundation lies in the form of a cross, and its style is Gothic ; its tower is 124 feet high and is crowned with a large gilded cross The committee appointed on building was composed of Messrs. Charles Viele, M. J. Bray, Jr., and A. H. Lemcke. In 1865 a chapel was erected by Mrs. Charles Viele at a cost of $6,000
In 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Viele purchased the house and lot adjoining the church property, and after having the building re- modeled and put in good order, they gave it to be used as St. Paul's rectory and in memory of Edward and Mary Hopkins, father and mother of Mrs Viele. The sum expended was about $10,000. In addition to what had already been done, and to complete the work the former rectory in the rear of the church was changed and made suit- able for a parish house. This was entirely the work of the ladies of the church. After Mr. Morris' departure his place was supplied by Rev. W. Northey Jones, who is the present rector He is a man of pleasing qualities, scholarly attainments and persuasive oratory. The Sabbath-school is interesting and successful.
The present membership is about 300. The wardens now are M. J. Bray, Jr., and Silas S. Scantlin. A few of the big-hearted members of this church, well known to the older citizens, have made large contri- butions to the building and the support of the church, and they are
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remembered with an affectionate gratefuluess by all the large congre- gation.
HOLY INNOCENTS' MEMORIAL CHURCH.
This church was organized January 22, 1868. It grew out of a mission Sunday-school which was the first ever established in the city, and which was the happy thought of St Paul's church. The first mission school was organized at St. Paul's about 1863, under the rector- ship of Rev. Elias Birdsall.
Holy Iunocents' parish began with a membership of thirteen families, and thirty communicants. Mrs. Charles Viele donated the property, located at the corner of Ninth and Division streets, to the diocese. The church was completed and ready for consecration on March 3, 1868. The consecration services were performed by Rt. Rev. Bishop J. C. Talbot. The brick building is of English Gothic style and is architecturally very beautiful. It is 80x40 feet in size; the roof is a steep gable, and ornamental pilasters relieve the walls. The seating capacity will accommodate 300 persons. The rectory is a neat two- story frame house, convenient and modern in its appointments. The church and rectory, both together costing $25,000, were the munificent gift of Mrs. Charles Viele. This benevolent lady erected them as a memorial of her two children, Charles A., and Mary Douglass, both of whom died in childhood. This liberal donation is not only indica- tive of unaffected philanthropy and christian devotion, but also of her sweet motherly instincts and faith in the goodness of God. The memory of her little ones in Heaven gives the name to the church- "Holy Innocents'. "
The first rector of this period was Rev. Sponille Burford, of New Orleans. His services began in 1868 and closed in 1870. Rev. Richard T. Kerfoot served as rector from 1870 to 1875. He was a young man of varied experience, and an able gentleman. The next rector was Rev. R. C. Talbot, Jr., the term of his rectorship extending from 1876 to 1879. He was succeeded by Rev. O. A. Stanley, who served the parish from 1879 to 1881. Rev. John K. Karcher was rector from March to October, 1881. Rev. John A. Dorris officiated from October, 1881, to 1885, and was succeded by Rev. L. F. Cole, whose rectorate extended from 1885 to November 1, 1888, which is the date of his resiguatiou. Rev. A. A. Abbott succeeded him and continued in the service until November, 1894, when he resigned. The Rev. Frederick Irving Collins has been rector since January, 1895
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The Sunday-school is a noble and prosperous arm of the church ; the membership is encouraging, and the attendance is faithful.
THE FIRST CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The first organization of this religious denomination was established here by Rev. James Ritchey on January 31, 1841. John C. Henson, William Underwood and Stepheu D. Hopkins were elected ruling elders. At the beginning the membership numbered scarcely more than twenty, most of whom were women. Among the names now remembered are those of Mrs. Marcus Sherwood, Mrs. John C. Hen- son, Mrs. Eliza Mackey, Mrs. Paulina McAllister, Mrs. Elizabeth Ward, Mrs. Margaret McAlpine, Mrs. John Hall, Mrs. Susan Igle- heart, Mrs. Stephen D. Hopkins and Miss Mary Johnson. These have all gone to their reward. They constituted an admirable nucleus for a strong congregation. For thirty years prior to the organization of the church, the small town of Evansville was visited occasionally by Rev. Hiram A. Hunter, Rev. William Lyun and other ministers of the denomination, who preached in the "old brick school-house," and sometimes in private residences. The first house of worship, a two- story brick, was erected on the corner of Second and Chestnut streets, and was occupied by the congregation until 1876. At one time in its history it was burned, but was promptly rebuilt. It stood upon the ground now occupied by the Owen flats.
Rev. James Ritchey was the first pastor called to serve in the new church, and he continued in that capacity about three years. He was succeeded by Rev. William B. Lambert, father of Mrs. W. J. Darby, whose husband was a later pastor. Mr. Lambert was pastor of the church but a short time, when he was suddenly stricken down with cholera while on a trip to Louisville. He had gone to that city on a mission for the church, but was brought home in his coffin. This was a sad day for the church and community, as he was highly esteemed. The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Jacobs, who withdrew after a year's service and quit the ministry. He was recently mayor of the city of Logansport, Ind. The next minister in charge was Rev. Aaron Bur- row, of Tennessee, a brilliant, though somewhat erratic young man. This was just before and during the first part of the civil war. Mr. Burrow claimed to be a Union man, and said that he was in favor of " the Union, the constitution and the enforcement of the laws." How- ever, during the early part of the war he resigned his charge, mounted
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a horse and went to his former home in Tennessee. He did not enter the Southern army, but was charged with being a "Southern sympa- thizer." Within a few months after leaving Evansville he was shot and killed by some Union soldiers, who claimed that he was destroy- ing a bridge to impede the progress of the army. His tragic end was lamented here by not a few, as he was much loved for his pleasant, social and genial qualities, and was regarded as a man of bright prom- ise, being possessed of a brilliant intellect, and having had the advan- tage of a classical education.
Rev. J. G. White, of St. Louis, succeeded Mr. Burrow, remaining in charge during the entire period of the war, and doing very success- ful work. Under his ministry the church was greatly strengthened, and became a decidedly prominent factor in the religions life of the city. Dr. White has grown old, but still preaches and lectures with much power. His home is in central Illinois. Rev. J. C. Bowden, D. D., of Tennessee, accepted the pastorate in 1865, remaining five years, during which time the church enjoyed great peace and moderate prosperity. Dr. Bowden resigned to accept the presidency of Lincoln university, of Lincoln, Ill., and died at his post after three years of successful service. The congregation was without a pastor for nearly a year, but its membership held together with its Sunday prayer-meet- ing and other services.
Rev. W. J. Darby, of Princeton, Ky., a young man just graduated from Cumberland university, took charge of the congregation, in Feb- ruary, 1871, and served as its pastor for eighteen consecutive years, a pastorate more than three times as long as that of any of his prede- cessors. During this time the congregation grew to be one of the largest in the city, its membership being at the front in all forms of religious work. A new house of worship was erected on the corner opposite the old church, at a cost of $50,000. Through the liberality of its members a second church was built, on Jefferson avenue, and recently a third has been erected on Olive street. Early in Mr. Dar- by's pastorate, Dr. H. G. Jones was placed at the head of the Sunday school, and under his leadership the school became one of the largest in the city, and it has continued to maintain that position.
Four times the General Assembly of the denomination has met in Evansville-in 1859, in 1865, in 1872 and in 1880. Connected with the latter assembly was a convention of active Christian women from the various states, who organized a Woman's Board of Missions, mak- ing Evansville its national headquarters. This organization has spread extensively throughout the country, and has a large membership. It
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has sent many missionaries to Japan and other countries. The pastor and members of this church took a prominent part in the erection of Evans Hall, and the great temperance work that has been done there. Mrs. Saleta Evans, the founder of the hall, was a member of this church, and Mr. Darby and Mr. W. F. Nisbet, an elder, were among the trustees who raised the money and supervised its ereetion. The church has thus been active in Sunday school, missionary and temper- ance work. In 1880 the first Christian Endeavor Society in the state of Indiana, and one of the first in the entire west was organized in this church. Evansville is now Christian Endeavor headquarters for the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination. It is also headquarters for the ministerial relief work of the denomination. The church is thus made one of the leading organizations of the Cumberland Presbyterian communion in the United States. In 1889 Dr. Darby resigned the pastorate and took charge of the publication affairs of the denomina- tion, with headquarters at Nashville, Tenn.
Rev. A. G. Bergen, of Springfield, Ill., followed Dr. Darby. His pastorate of three years was a happy and successful one. He was fol- lowed by Dr. E. G. McLean, from the state of Washington, who is now in charge. He is truly a zealous, learned and eloquent man after God's own heart. The membership of the church numbers over 700, and it has enjoyed a career of uninterrupted prosperity for a quarter of a eentury.
JEFFERSON AVENUE CUMBERLAND CHURCH.
This prosperous congregation is a growth from the labors of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of this city, and is located on Jeffer- son avenue between Putnam and Campbell streets. They have an elegant building in which to worship. The congregation was organ- ized Jannary 6, 1889, by Rev. W. J. Darby and the session of the first church, with a membership of fifty-seven. Rev. J. H. Miller was the first chosen pastor. Under the efficient pastoral work of Rev. T. Ashburn, the present pastor, the membership has grown to 225.
The charter members are . John G. Burrows, Kate Burrows, A. H. Claik, H. J. Claik, Grace Claik, Sarah Jordan, C. D. Hirst, Edna Hirst, John Aiken, Mary Aiken, Mary Arnold, Francis Balz, Annie Froehlich, Sarah Stansbury, Ida Stansbury, Mamie Streetmater, Mary Scarborough, Edith M. Wood, L. E. Wyttenbach Maggie Schweitzer, Lillie Schweitzer, Carrie Sehweitzer, Maggie Brayfield, Eliza Bittrollf, Georgia Culp, Estella Durham, Lula Durham, Annie
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Darling, Belle Ensminger, Penila Jordan, Emma Jordan, Richard Jordan, George Jordan, Emily Kinsey, Lou Kinsey, Emma Kinsey, Martha Melvin, Lena Melvin, Lloyd Melvin, August H. Miller, Cora Miller, Martha Williams, William Miller, Mary Matheney, Graham Matheney, Annie Reese, Annie Ruston, Mary Roeder, Matthew H. Vaught, Samuel Weed, Lillie Siekman, Charles Roeder. Mattie Cook, Hallie Bittrollf and Elizabeth Holmes. F. C. Magenheimer is the clerk of sessions. The elders are: John G. Burrows, August H. Miller, A. F. Karges, F. C. Magenheimer, H. J. Graff and Samuel Crumbacker. The deacons are: Peter Zapp, M. H. Vaught, George B. Durham, A. R. Bopp, George W. Harmon, Ernst Schor, A. J. Taylor, A. G. Beeler and A. C. DeForrest.
PARKE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
On the first Wednesday of December, 1887, at the regular mid- week prayer service of the Walnut street Presbyterian church, the pastor, Rev. L. M. Gilleland, D. D., called the attention of the con- gregation to the fact that there was a large territory in the northern part of the city in which there was no church organization, and where no public religious services of any kind were held. He stated that, seeing the need of religious work in that part of the city, he had decided to open a mission Sunday school there, and desired to give an opportunity to all so inclined to contribute toward the expense of maintaining the same, and to volunteer their services as teachers in the school.
During the following week hand bills, announcing the intention of starting a mission school and giving a cordial invitation to attend, were distributed throughout the community surrounding the location selected for the school, which was at the corner of Columbia street and Heidelbach avenue, in a building formerly used as a saloon. On December 11, 1887, the school was opened, about 140 persons being present. After a number of songs the meeting was addressed by Dr. Gilleland, who explained the object of the undertaking and the results he hoped might be accomplished. Samuel G. Rickwood was chosen superintendent. The next two Sundays were largely spent in dividing the school into classes and appointing teachers for them. On January 1, 1888, the organization was completed by electing the following additional officers : William Moss, assistant superintendent ; H. J
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Pfafflin, secretary and treasurer; Mrs. Lyda Crawford, organist, and Miss Grace Kraft, assistant organist.
A steady interest in the school was maintained, and though at first there was much rudeness and disorderly conduct on the part of the scholars to contend with, in time the effect of the refining influence of the Gospel was manifest in the school. Toward the end of the first year the attendance largely increased and sorely taxed the capacity of the building, making it almost impossible to do satisfactory class work. The need of larger quarters was deeply felt, but none seemed attainable.
About the first of the year, 1889, Col. John W. Foster, our illus- trious townsman, who had visited the school, and had become im- pressed with its work and possibilities for the future, proposed to the trustees of the Walnut street Presbyterian church to give, as a mem- orial of his daughters, Mary Parke and Alice, a sum of money suffi- cient to erect a church building to be known as the Parke Memorial chapel, provided the trustees would assume the responsibility of caring for the building and maintaining a Sunday school, and also an indus- trial school to be known as the Alice Foster Industrial school. The trustees are to be responsible for the building until such time as there shall be a self-sustaining church located there, when the building shall be transferred to such church.
The proposition was gladly accepted, and work on the new building was commenced in the early spring, and in August, 1889, the Sunday school moved into its new home, the beautiful chapel on the corner of Delaware street and Elsas avenue. The membership of the school was rapidly increased in numbers, a mid-week service was conducted for older people, and prayer services were also conducted on Sunday evenings by members of the session of Walnut street Presbyterian church.
During the summer months of 1891-2-3, theological students from the seminary were employed to conduct services at the chapel and do pastoral work among the people, and in December, 1893, a church organization was formed with about sixty members as follows : Mrs. Louisa Rickwood, Mrs. Herman J. Pfafflin, Mrs. Mattie J. Pfafflin, Mrs William Moss, Mrs. H. R. Moss, Mrs. Lucinda J. Plummer, Mrs. Mary E. Hall, Mrs. Lena Heyman, Mrs. Jessie Meyers, Mrs Maud Chambers, Mrs L. V Weston, Mrs. Addie Flentke, Mrs. L. B. Crawford, Mrs Adah Hugo, Mrs. Mary Werntz, Mrs. Emeline Cody, Mrs. Ed. J. Young, Misses Annie Plegge, Lydia Plegge, Sarah Plegge, Minnie Plegge, Carrie Plegge, L. Woodward, Jennie Stoner,
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Georgia Young, Maggie Kuehn, Minnie Kuehn, Lena M. Peterson, A. S McClure, F. M. McClure, F. E. Dawson, Mary Funk, Kate Stein. Loretta Heyman, Stella Christie, M. E. Reed, Otillia Pfafflin, Rose Pfafflin, Louise Pfafflin, Susie Werntz, Charlotte Cody, Maggie Young ; Messrs. S. G. Rickwood, Robert E. Hall, Charles F. Kuehn, F. J. Peterson, J. Henry Weston and Edward J. Young. The first session or elders are : S. G. Rickwood, H. J. Pfafflin and J. S Stevens
Rev. Samuel P. Stophlett was called to occupy the pulpit. Under the pastorate of Mr. Stophlett the membership of the church was in- creased to about 150, and the Sunday school kept up its large enroll- ment. The industrial school is for the benefit of poor children who are taught to sew, and the garments on which they work are given to them when completed. Attendance at the industrial school is limited to the members of the Sunday school. Each session of the school is opened and closed with religious exercises, and much good is accom- plished. A boys' brigade was also organized and a great deal of in- terest is taken in it by the boys of the church and the school, and it is in a flourishing condition.
In March, 1896, Mr. Stophlett resigned his ministry here to accept a call from Kansas, and in June Rev. John P. Engstrom entered upon his work as the successor of Mr. Stophlett, and under his pastorate the church entered upon a new era of activity that bids fair to exceed the success of the past. All the various organizations are in good condition and hard at work, and all the people are well-pleased with their new pastor and his estimable wife. The membership of the church at present is 180, and church services are largely attended. The present officers of the church are as follows : Session-Rev. J. P. Engstrom, moderator ; S. G. Rickwood, clerk; John L. Stevens, John D. Burns and H. J. Pfafffin, elders. Trustees-James Elliott, president ; H. J. Pfafflin, secretary and treasurer ; William Haberer, August Ellerbush, William Meyers, William Yonng and J. D. Aubrey.
FIRST AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. '
A Presbyterian church, located on Second avenue, between Mary- land and Oregon streets, was founded by the order of the Vincennes Presbyterian December, 1872. The frame building had, however, been completed and dedicated in January, 1872. The site was donated by Willard Carpenter, and Rev. M. V. Van Arsdale was the pastor. The original membership numbered twenty-five. Meanwhile mission work
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had been going on in the locality of First avenue and Virginia street by Rev. William H. McCarer, pastor of Walnut Street Presbyterian church, and by members of Vine street church (now Grace church), and later by united efforts of both these churches. This combined labor resulted in the organization of a church on November 11, 1875, which was called the First Avenue Presbyterian church. This led to the dis- bandment of the Second Avenue church, the members of which trans- ferred their membership to the new one. The original members of the First Avenne church were Nicholas Elles, Mrs. Elizabeth Elles, Mrs. Caroline Skinner, Mrs. Mary Brown, John Greek, Mrs. Sarah Werntz, Miss Ida Werntz, Miss Clara Werntz, Miss Sallie Werntz, Miss May Werntz; Elders Otto F. Jacobi and John Savacool, together with forty- four others, who came by letter from the Second Avenue Presbyterian church. The elders were Otto F. Jacobi, W. H. Wood and B. L. Brown. The first pastor was Rev W. H. McCarer.
A new brick church was erected rapidly, and dedicated April 2, 1876. The membership was fifty-seven, and in four years it reached a hundred, and at present it numbers 227. Rev. McCarcr served the congregation till his death, in February, 1880. He had been pastor of Walnut Street church about nineteen years, and had served this new church six years. He was a man whose life was full of loveliness and good works. His successor was Rev. Henry A. Dodge, who labored till 1881. Rev. W. A. Hutchison was pastor from December, 1881, to December, 1882; Rev. Mr. Dawson, 1883; Rev. S. P. Lynn, 1884; Rev. David VanDyke, 1885 to 1888; Rev. Joseph S. Grimes, 1889; Rev. W. S. Lowery, 1890; Rev. J. F. Martin, 1891 to 1894, and Rev. O. S. Thompson, from June, 1894, to the present time.
The names of the ruling elders who have served this church are : Otto F. Jacobi, B. F. Brown, W. H. Wood, G. W. Entsminger, W. J. Harvey, A. C. Haynes, G. G. Rickwood, William Newman, John Greek, William Lambeth, E. S. Price, James Richey, William H. Kriepke and C. C. Porter.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The First Baptist church, located at the corner of Third and Cherry streets, was founded July 4, 1847, under promising circumstances that were afterward fulfilled in the vigorous growth of the society. The members who first constituted this congregation were: Rev. N. V. Steadman, S. Z. Millard, J. P. Matthews, Elizabeth Beasley, Marion L. Wilcox and Alvira S. Stoddard. These were the seed of
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this church, and from them the membership grew until at present it numbers 320. The first pastor was Rev. N. V. Steadman. Many others trod in his footsteps. Rev. W T. Cross, the last pastor before the present one, was a scholar, a worker and a successful pastor. While on a vacation in Ohio in the summer of 1896, he died of typhoid fever. He was succeeded by Rev Thomas, a man who caught the mental and spiritual beauty of Spurgeon while laboring with him in London.
The first clerk was J. P. Matthews, and the first deacon was S. B. Millard. The first trustees were : Judge M. W. Foster, T. W. Simp- son, Joseph Turnock, Alfred White and F. C. Gale The two persons who first united with the church were Mrs. S. K. Foster and Mrs. Elizabeth Turnock, and they are still active members. The first two baptized were Mrs. Mary Jacobs Maghee and Mrs. Laura Jacobs Steadman
The Sunday school was organized November 7, 1847, almost with the founding of the church. Its superintendent at that time was J. B. Maghee. The membership of the Sunday school now numbers about 200. William Turnock was for many years clerk of the church and superintendent of the Sunday school.
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
Calvary Baptist church, situated at the corner of Fourth street and Blackford avenue, was organized March 5, 1888. The charter mem- bers were: Otis Wood, Mrs Hattie M. Wood, Miss Elma Wood, John Hubbard, Mrs. Laura W. Hubbard, W. S. Cosby, Mrs M. E. Cosby, Miss Kittie Cosby, Miss Helen Cosby, J. W. Wilkes, Mrs. Mary L. Tinius, Frank O Tinius, John Tinius, Mrs. S. A. Rucker, Mrs. Delia Schmidt, Mrs. Lida Clark, Mrs. Sadie Clark, Miss Mary E. Melton, Miss M. M. Stewart, Miss Ella Pittman and J. O. Pittman. The pastors who have served this congregation are : Rev. R. S. Flem- ing, Rev. S. S. Clark, Rev. W. H. Hubbard, Rev. W. M. Barker, Rev. W. J. Coulston, Rev. W. A. Kling and Rev. J P. Jacobs, who is serving the congregation at present. He is an energetic, dutiful and practical young pastor There are now 168 members enrolled.
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